Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/55

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and mankind in general, the details of which I have very scrupulously collected, and may say with Shakespeare, I have "nothing extenuated, nor set down aught in malice."

Indeed, I have not a wish to accuse, or call in question, the conduct or motive of any individual. No: suffice it that appeal to their own feelings, to humanity, and the gospel truths; after which, let the inward monitor of the guilty say, 'Thou art the man.' But permit me to infer, this self accusation only extends to one part of the oppressive body; yet, what is to be said for the remainder, who shall still persevere in persecuting these poor helpless women, to the subversion of all civil society? for, are we not told by the inspired writer, "It is not the will of our Father, which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." Then, in compliance with our threefold obligation, are we not strictly enjoined to exhort our brethren to turn from their evil ways. What says St. Matthew, "If thy brother shall tres-